Hopeful Hearts is the fifth block of the 2016 Quilt Extravaganza! This month you’ll learn how to create heart-shaped wedges that are machine appliquéd to scrappy background fabrics. Use the Carefree Curves Template to create the shapes easily and without setting in any curved seams.

Have you selected fabrics and created the strata for your 2016 Block of the Month? Check out the details in the January 9 blog. I encourage you to use as many scraps from your stash as possible. I’m using bright and neutral fabrics in this quilt.

Cut one interfacing rectangle 3″ x 32″ (for tops of hearts) Consider also using scrap pieces of interfacing for each heart.

Create the Semicircles

Place wedges at the corner of the background fabric to determine the best layout. Number the wedges or snap a picture to remember the arrangement.

Lay out wedges onto fusible interfacing. Pin.

Straight stitch, using a short stitch length, 2.0–2.5, directly on the marked curve.

Note from Nancy

Use a short stitch length to ensure a smooth stitching line when sewing a curve. I often compare using a short stitch length to driving in the mountains. To maneuver the curvy road, a slower speed ensures that you’ll stay on course.

Notice in the photo I used an Open Toe Foot and a narrow blanket stitch to stitch the circle to the background. Each point takes a small dip into the circle itself. Choose a blanket stitch, decorative stitch, or straight stitch to apply the shapes.

Baste corners by sewing 1/8″ from the cut edges.

Ta-dah! Another block is complete.

If you are on social sites, let all your friends know you are working on The2016 Quilt Extravaganza Blocks by tagging your post with the hashtag: #NZBoM.

What would a Quilt Look Like?

This first digital quilt features this block repeated nine times. Two borders, 1″ and 4″, were added to this baby size quilt.

This month I decided to switch up the color palette options to show the same block in a different hue, or in this case black and white. Notice how the corner stones create centers to the flower shapes.

The last digital quilt shifts all the colors in all the fabrics. The look is quite eclectic and bohemian, in my opinion.

We’ll be using the Carefree Curves Template throughout the entire 2016 Quilt Extravaganza. Watch episodes online for more tips on using the templates in my two-part series featuring the Trace’n Create Carefree Curves tools on Sewing With Nancy.

Sew and Share

Send in a photo of your blocks and quilts and we’ll share with others in upcoming blogs and on Facebook. I’d really like to see what fabrics you’re using! Send the images to [email protected]
Bye for now,

3 Comments

A very informative detailed you shared with me which is very helpful for us

peacefulMay 21, 2016

I also really like the printable PDF pattern.

SuibhneMay 21, 2016

THANK YOU SO MUCH for Offering this Post as a Readily Printable PDF!!!
I sincerely hope you’ll considering INCLUDING this PDF Feature on ALL of your current & future postings,
Especially the QALs, BOMs, &/or other serial Topics (:-D